Play Audiobook Sample
The Language of Bees: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 6,071 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King has won or been nominated for every major award in mystery writing. King's beloved sleuth Mary Russell here attempts to reverse her legendary husband Sherlock Holmes' greatest failure. "A one-woman case for the defense of unauthorized literary sequels . intelligent, witty, complex and atmospheric ."-Washington Post Book World
Download and start listening now!
"This Mary Russell series is fun, even if you (as I) have not been a fan of Sherlock Holmes. An unlikely pairing, but still believable. The time is early 20th century. Every book provides information of the era as well as some other topic. For example, there is a lot to be learned about the San Francisco (1906) earthquake from reading "Locked Rooms". "Jerusalem" offers a lot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish (Russell is jewish) background in the area. Also, your feminist buttons will get pushed as the attitudes of the time are presented, though neither Holmes nor Russell let themselves be bound by them. The "Language of Bees" pulls a somewhat dirty trick in ending with a "to be continued." But that would be expected in any case, as it introduces a character who could be considered Russell's and Holmes' new professor Moriarity."
— Karen (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
A one-woman case for the defense of unauthorized literary sequels … intelligent, witty, complex and atmospheric …”—Washington Post Book World
The Language of Bees Listener Reviews
-
" A fun adventure, but I wish I knew when I started this that it would "spill over" to the next book in the series! "
— Jean, 2/19/2014 -
" While I loved being back with Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell, I didn't enjoy "The Language of Bees" as much as I did the books in this series. "The Language of Bees" was a very entertaining read, though it wasn't as intricate a mystery as the other Russell & Holmes books were. Also, the villain didn't seem as dangerous or deadly, which made the ending seem all the more out of joint. I also though that Laurie King didn't spend much time on the relationship between Mary and Holmes; they were barely together throughout the book. I was disappointed by the cliffhanger ending which I felt could have been tidied up a bit better. I still don't understand why King chose a cliffhanger as an ending for "The Language of Bees" when she ended the other Russell & Holmes books properly; but overall I still enjoyed reading "The Language of Bees." "
— Catyche, 2/2/2014 -
" I love this series. This was excellent, but the ending leaves me very impatient for the next installment. "
— Jeannette, 1/30/2014 -
" I love Laurie King's Mary Russell mystery series. This was well-crafted with a great plot and great characters. If you like Sherlock Holmes and historical mysteries, you will enjoy this book. "
— Molly, 1/24/2014 -
" I almost gave it only four stars due to the slower-paced (than usual) opening chapters, then I came to my senses and gave it what it deserves. Ms. King's world and characters are so well-developed and authentically real to the Holmes universe that it truly reads like a real memoir. This novel delves in to the creepy world of religious cults led by sociopaths (are there any other kind?) and the stakes are, as expected, high. It doesn't end on a cliff-hanger, but it is definitely a two-parter, and I'm looking forward to diving in to "The God of the Hive" asap. "
— Neb, 1/22/2014 -
" Excellent addition to a series that gets better with each new book. "
— Kim, 1/11/2014 -
" Laurie R. King returns once again with intricate character studies and esoterica presented with finesse. However, the dramatic tension is wanting, as has been the case in the last few novels. Readers are advised to consult King's first four titles in this series, since they are her best to date. "
— Andrea, 1/7/2014 -
" Read this book again, so that I could read the sequel book #10 in the Mary Russell series. Just as good as the first time I read it. "
— Lisa, 12/15/2013 -
" Loved it! Great summer read-thriller! "
— Heidi, 12/11/2013 -
" I really enjoy this series "
— Steph, 10/21/2013 -
" This Mary Russell novel was for me a definite dip in quality. The madman with his blood sacrifices was too too macabre for me. I prefer my mysteries with more practical motives and less bloodshed. Ugh. The long lost son of Holmes was an interesting twist though. "
— Jodi, 9/7/2013 -
" 3.5--I liked the descriptions of how they investigated the crime (no anachronisms that I could see, and very inventive, especially Russell).Holmes and Russell seem more distant with each other. Russell very competent and able to take care of herself. "
— Leslie, 5/29/2013 -
" Warning: "to be continued" ending. "
— Kelasher, 12/3/2012 -
" I am a lover of this series but was disappointed with this book. I found myself flipping through areas and just not as interested as the other books. "
— Amber, 11/6/2012 -
" Love the intrigue as usual. It ended abruptly for me, but that just makes the next book even more anticipated. Can't wait. "
— Angie, 11/4/2012 -
" Every do often I need to get a Sherlockian hit and Laurie King does it for me. I always enjoy her books and this was a great vacation read. "
— Gaile, 4/25/2012 -
" Lovely as always. Liked the new characters. My only complaint is the lack of interaction between Holmes and Russell. The book ended a bit abruptly. Luckily, the next book is due out soon. "
— Bridget, 4/1/2012 -
" Oh dear, Laurie King is losing her touch. "
— Kate, 3/15/2012 -
" I actually listened to the audio book during my work commute and it passed the time very well. I haven't read any of the others and there were a few references to past adventures but I didn't feel lost. I'd recommend it as an interesting read. "
— Jayne, 11/4/2011 -
" The best so far in my very favorite mystery series. Mrs. Sherlock Holmes is nothing short of spectacular. "
— Jesse, 9/19/2011 -
" Another Mary Russell / Sherlock Holmes collaboration, with even more Mary and less Sherlock. Fun but not fascinating. "
— Bex, 9/4/2011 -
" This and the next one were really good. I'm sad that I am so close to the last book in the series. I hope Laurie King writes some more quickly. "
— Nicole, 7/2/2011 -
" Love Jenny Sterlin's narration. The Mary Russell books are my least favorite of Laurie R King's . "
— Elizabeth, 5/24/2011 -
" I really enjoy this series. The author does a great job of keeping the character of Sherlock Holmes similar to the original. "
— Kassie, 5/16/2011 -
" Just wonderful. The flavors found in the scenery and characterization is delicious! Can't wait for the next in the series to come out! "
— Vanessa, 5/2/2011 -
" Love the Mary Russell mysteries! The only bad thing about this book is that it's the last in her Mary Russell series. "
— Kimkg, 4/10/2011 -
" Very Clever and engaging! A great new find. "
— Donna, 4/4/2011 -
" The best Holmes and Russel novel yet. King is brilliant! Left me wanting more. "
— Suzanne, 4/2/2011 -
" Not my favorite in the series, but still thoroughly enjoyable. "
— Kat, 3/12/2011 -
" Very good. I've read them out of order but enjoyed it. Good story line and I like the characters. "
— Jandblock, 2/22/2011 -
" Mary Russell - Sherlock Holmes series "
— Margery, 2/19/2011
About Laurie R. King
Laurie R. King is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes stories. She has been nominated for a multitude of prizes, and her fiction has won the Edgar, Creasy, Nero, and Macavity awards. She has been guest of honor at several crime conventions, and she was inducted into the Baker Street Irregulars in 2010.
About Jenny Sterlin
Jenny Sterlin, winner of several Earphones Awards, has more than ninety audio titles to her credit, including Laurie R. King’s popular Sherlock Holmes / Mary Russell series. Before beginning her narration career, she helped found England’s experimental Living Theatre.